Mike Mentz is a singer and songwriter, not to mention traveler, as this post is coming to us from Turkey. He’s lived a number of places, but calls Nashville home when he’s not on the road. He’s played all over the world and even at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe. His songs incorporate tales from his adventures.
What do you love most about living in the South?
I’m originally from Chicago, so the mild winters aren’t too hard to take, haha. I love the sunshine.
What are your favorite places in Nashville?
My favorite place in Nashville isn’t on Broadway; it’s actually Percy Warner Park, the biggest centrally located park in the city. I love trail running, and it’s got great trails that wind through the forest and make a great place to go lose yourself for a few hours regardless of the season.
The bars on Broadway are a must if you’ve never experienced them, but my favorite bars are the Flying Saucer on 10th and an English pub called Fleet Street Pub in Printers Alley, both of which are short walks from Broadway.
As far as restaurants go, my favorites are Monell’s for southern cooking, Smiling Elephant for Thai food and Prince’s Hot Chicken for fiery fried chicken.
You usually have to wait in a long line to get in, but the Bluebird Cafe is worth the wait any night of the week. Some of the best songwriters in the world play there regularly, and there isn’t a bad show.
What is your favorite Southern meal?
A delicious question. My favorite Southern meal would have to be a tie…I love shrimp and grits, but I also love a full bbq Meat & Three plate. In Nashville, Monell’s is the best place for southern food hands down.
Also, fried okra and moonshine. It’s not a meal…or is it?
What are your favorite Southern traditions?
I think I’ll have to go back to okra and moonshine on this one, but I’m not sure it’s a Southern tradition for anyone but me.
Thanks to Mike for sharing his favorite Nashville spots with us. You can listen to his music on his website and follow along on his travels on Facebook and Twitter.
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